Senior/Principal Chemist - Process Chemistry Oligonucleotides (SMDD)

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: June 25, 2025

Job Description:

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world. Lilly Research Laboratories' Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) team plays a key role in the development of synthetic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), supporting the journey from preclinical stages through to the commercialization of drug substances and products. Our chemists, engineers, and scientists use their deep technical expertise to deliver innovative solutions across our portfolio, accelerating the testing of clinical hypotheses and advancing overall drug development. We believe that fostering diverse talent and cultures is essential to bringing life-changing medicines to patients. We are seeking a creative and dynamic chemist to join our fast-paced, interdisciplinary team passionate about delivering innovative technical solutions and enabling deeper understanding of processes and products related to oligonucleotide-based medicines with the potential to cure diseases. The ideal candidate will apply their knowledge and technical expertise to enhance core capabilities and contribute to the development of oligonucleotide-based clinical candidates. If you are passionate about innovative chemistry in oligonucleotide process development and eager to make a positive impact on patients’ lives, we want you on our team! Responsibilities: Synthesize and analyze highly modified oligonucleotides to drive project progress efficiently. Take the lead in prioritizing and implementing proactive safety practices to foster an effective laboratory culture. Independently troubleshoot and resolve synthetic challenges in the lab, improving existing workflows. Maintain a productive laboratory environment, including operating and maintaining oligonucleotide synthesizers and other scientific equipment. Collaborate with chemists and scientists from various disciplines in a team-oriented environment, focusing on experimental execution and achieving shared project objectives. Review relevant chemical and scientific literature to apply new strategies and techniques. Accurately document experimental procedures and communicate findings through presentations and written reports. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific field. Additional Skills/Preferences: At least 1-2 years of experience in synthetic organic and/or oligonucleotide chemistry is highly preferred. Experience in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis using and trouble-shooting automated solid-phase synthesizers and optimizing synthetic protocols and reaction schemas. Experience in the optimization of purification protocols for oligonucleotides. Experience with analytical and physiochemical characterization of oligonucleotides (e.g., mass spectrometry, separation techniques and other biophysical/biochemical techniques). Excellent record keeping and communication skills. Confident, execution-focused, and team oriented with a desire to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment. Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form ( https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation ) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response. Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $63,000 - $162,800 Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees. WeAreLilly

Keywords: Eli Lilly and Company, Lawrence , Senior/Principal Chemist - Process Chemistry Oligonucleotides (SMDD), Science, Research & Development , Indianapolis, Indiana